Setting: During Stargate Atlantis episode 1.01, "Rising."
Disclaimer: I do not own the Stargate franchise.
A/N: This is in response to a request from Ani-maniac494 – while it's not quite the first meeting between Lorne and Sheppard, it is relevant to their relationship. Hopefully, I will write their actual meeting sometime in the future.
When Evan entered General O'Neill's office, he knew whatever reason he was summoned couldn't be good. Not only was the general present, but also Colonel Sumner, who glowered thunderously. For Sumner, that was definitely saying something. Whatever rankled the Marine, it was undoubtedly serious.
"Have a seat, Major Lorne," O'Neill invited. He looked like he would rather be anywhere but here. Not a good sign at all.
Sumner continued to glare, making no move to sit, himself. The colonel, selected from a rather small pool of potential candidates to command the military forces of the Atlantis Expedition, had distinguished himself at the SGC as a strong, capable leader and exceptional Marine. If he had one fault, Evan thought, it would be that he relied a bit too heavily on first impressions. Evan never had a personal problem with the man - Sumner actually liked him. But Sumner simply couldn't stand Coughlin and considered him a menace to good order and discipline in his team and on the base.
Case in point: Coughlin had once rigged a box to dump a truly astounding amount of packing peanuts on that guy from the IOA. Fortunately or unfortunately, Dr. Jackson tripped the wire instead. It was like the famous scene from Star Trek, when Captain Kirk got inundated in the little fluffy tribbles. However, then the air conditioning came on, blowing packing peanuts everywhere, creating a foam snowstorm in both the room and the outside corridor. Sergeant Siler, his vision obscured by flying packing material, earned himself a mild concussion when he collided with Dr. Jackson, who had managed to extricate himself from the pile. Siler lost his footing and hit the wall fairly hard, earning himself yet another trip to the infirmary. For whatever reason, this was the only side of Coughlin that Sumner ever saw, and never the devoted husband or the skilled airman.
But back to the situation at hand. Evan took a chair and waited expectantly to learn the reason for General O'Neill's summons.
The general didn't waste time, true to form. "I'm afraid you've been bumped from the Atlantis Expedition roster, Major," he said baldly.
"May I ask why, sir?" Evan asked immediately, shock overriding his other thoughts.
Colonel Sumner answered this time, anger heavy in his voice. "Dr. Weir found someone else with the Ancient gene. A 'natural' she says, lit the chair up like a Christmas tree, apparently. Major John Sheppard, a chopper pilot currently stationed out of McMurdo."
Evan's eyebrows shot up. "That so, sir?"
"Do you know Sheppard?" asked General O'Neill, catching Evan's expression.
"Not personally, sir," Evan replied, shaking his head. "We were in the same graduating class at the Academy. He had a... reputation, sir." A 'reputation' for a lack of military discipline, which would explain Sumner's mood. Evan, while an easy-going guy, had always managed to get on the good side of every instructor (and commanding officer) through a great deal of hard work and patience. Sheppard was the type who'd spend the entire night flirting with girls at the local hangout, yet somehow ace the test the next day.
"And that's exactly the reason he shouldn't be going on this mission, General," Colonel Sumner grated.
"It's a dead duck, Sumner," O'Neill replied warningly. In other words, Stop arguing with me about this, my mind's made up. The colonel did not seem appeased, but the general turned his focus back on Evan. "Look, Major, I know this meant a lot to you. Once-in-a-lifetime trip to another galaxy and all. But we do need you here at the SGC. This little jaunt has really gutted the staff."
Evan clenched his jaw. It was the F-302 training accident, all over again. An amazing opportunity, snatched from his hands just as he got a brief taste. He hadn't been too thrilled about the possibility of it being a one-way trip, but it was friggin' Atlantis! "I understand, sir. Will that be all?"
"Actually, no. Sumner, you're dismissed," O'Neill said.
The Marine unfolded his arms long enough to salute the general stiffly. "Yes, sir." With one final glare, he disappeared out the door, shutting it firmly behind him.
"Major, this decision is not a reflection on you," General O'Neill advised him. Evan thought he spotted a surprising amount of sympathy in the general's voice and expression. "You're an exemplary officer and team leader with a very impressive record. And let me tell you that Colonel Sumner is not happy to lose you." Evan sensed there was an "especially since" in regards to Sheppard that O'Neill left unsaid. "It was not an easy decision, for either myself or Dr. Weir."
"Yes, sir." The initial surprise and disappointment had faded a bit, leaving a hollow void at the pit of his stomach.
"SG-23 is back on the duty roster as of today, Major," O'Neill said briskly, returning to 'business as usual' mode. "Don't think that this will get you out of the hard stuff! We have more than enough trouble to keep you busy here in the Milky Way."
Evan actually cracked a smile - a very small one, but still. "Yes, sir."
"Now you can go, Lorne." The general winced briefly. "Oh, and make sure that Coughlin hasn't switched Walter's stationary or something on your way out. I do not want a repeat of last week!"